The point being if you are looking (potentially) at a 4 week taper or at least 4 to 5 weeks from the last long ride is this the best way to reach your goal?

Its not an easy decision to make at this stage as you dont know how your training will go, you dont know what injuries you will pick up in March or June but what you can do is maximise the time that you have and not to plan in too many distractions or ommitances

Blimey, a week away from the forum and look what happens! What an exciting thread! Nice one Chili.

Well, I was going to do Outlaw, and had grand plans about how I would fit it all in and was very excited. Then I was talking to a friend about it and I was remembering how much I didn't enjoy training for the bike for my half tri in July and how miserable I was during the bike in the event itself... And knowing that I would have to spend A LOT of time on the bike to do myself any justice, I have decided to opt out.

I am still thinking about relay and finding someone else to do my bike leg for me, because I really do want to do this at some point. But my cycling isnt strong enough at the moment, and I would be forcing myself out, and I don't think I need that extra pressure jn my life at the moment. I have only been in my current job for 6 months and want to commit to that for a while I think.

I need to keep reminding myself that I got into tri to get back my fitness, as I was struggling to get back into running after 2-3 years of off-on training. I think I am back where I want to be in that respect (doing Cardiff half tomorrow too!) and having had Outlaw in my head, I will be working toward a marathon now. Having the freedom to focus on running (and the belief that I can be a machine if I put my mind to it) I might do three next year.... Great Welsh in Llanelli in April, Outlaw run leg in July, and maybe another in Autumn.

So, (sorry for long rambljng message!) I'm in, but only to hear the stories of how it really is, to prepare me for iron distance training 2013 maybe....

JEvans - if you don't enjoy biking I think you've made the right decision. The only thing I would add is to ask what sort of bike have you got? I didn't start to really enjoy biking (and I mean really really enjoy) till I got my road bike as opposed to a hybrid. I might be wrong but I think you mentioned you are riding a hybrid at the mo? Just something to bear in mind for the future thats all and good luck with the rest of your training. I think a relay option might be good for you, (or helping at the feed station of course).

Thanks Soupy. Yes, I'm on a hybrid... And missed out on a free road bike the other week. I am hopeful that a roadbike will help my enthusiasm, but I also know I will want to invest in a new one too and we don't have anywhere to keep multiple bikes and I want to spend my money on running kit next year I think. I easily spent £300 + on swim and bike this year.

JEvaNs I got a good deal on mine it's only a Raliegh airlite 100 but it does the job was £300 well worth investment I think. May even give you a confidence boost If you have been a good girl Santa might get you one

On the swimming side of things, I was planning on just going to go to my tri club session once or twice a week as they do structured sessions and it would save me trying to work out what all the sessions in the book want me to do...! And in Spring I'm going to swim in the river at least once a week

JEvans, I am planning the same thing. The club swim twice a week and one is endurance in the 50m pool and one technique so I shall be sticking with those session and if I have time for one of my own, then I will chuck one in. I am not that great at working out for myself what I should be doing....even when I do read books.

Thats the point of the Fink plan Cat it's all timed, as i said in an earlier post the swim sets are near on impossbile to complete in the hour and you either do what you can in the time or finish the set however long it takes...which for me is a rather long time.

I could never follow such a training schedule to the letter, and I'm sure that isn't the point. I enjoyed the book and not for one minute do I t doubt the authenticity of its claims or the experience or sincerity of the author.

However, everyone has different lifesyles and pressures and to attempt to follow each and every step becomes a chore in itself. I intend following the essence of the intermediate schedule, keeping within the increments in overall 'volume' and stepping up in intensity and duration as advised. What i actually achieve within my sessions is down to whatever my clubs are doing on the day.

It shouldn't be too difficult for me to apply the principals Fink lays down as my running club already structure their week around 3 running sessions (intervals/tempo/LSR). My new tri club do drill sessions with a coach on the poolside as well as winter MTB/trail running and my cycle club's weekend ride outs will cater for my road sessions.

From that I'll have to pick what I need to ensure I fit into Fink's schedule.

That's my theory today anyway. As I disappear up my arse trying to apply it I'll shout for help.

Apologies FF - I'd forgotten it was all time based. And having looked at the book I'm sure there are mistakes in there.Even the just finish is expecting 30 minutes for a 1 mile workout with drills.

I'm aiming for the intermediate plan, but working through the just finish swim at the moment, and it is taking an hour. It's the drills that do it.Feck. Mrs Cat5 is a fast swimmer (compared to me) and she would struggle with30 minutes for a mile

I think I'll just keep plugging away at the swims. I'm sure the time will reduce per session after some time.

I'm hoping that I can enter The Outlaw next year and then finish the season with another go at The Vitruvian.

Will have to train more consistently this year. Will join the local tri club as they do a run/swim session on a Monday, the local running club meet on a Wednesday and I could swim afterwards again. The tri club have OW sessions on a Saturday morning and a number of people cycle there and back as well (about 12 miles for me).

The commute would be 20 miles each way which is probably too much to start with.

Did a 100km ride in March this year and wouldn't mind doing that again as well.

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